Chemistry

Course summary

A level chemistry relates what is taught in the classroom to the real world. It will help inspire pupils, nurture their passion for chemistry and lay the groundwork for further study in courses such as the natural sciences, medicine, and dentistry. There are numerous opportunities for the development of practical skills and the skills needed for success at university and beyond. Chemistry (A) comprises of 6 modules: • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry: Practical skills assessed in a written examination. Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement. • Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry: Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations, Amount of substance, Acid–base and redox reactions, Electrons, bonding and structure. • Module 3 – Periodic table and energy: The periodic table and periodicity, Group 2 and the halogens, Qualitative analysis, Enthalpy changes, Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative). • Module 4 – Core organic chemistry: Basic concepts, Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and haloalkanes, Organic synthesis, Analytical techniques (IR and MS). • Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements: Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative), pH and buffers, Enthalpy, entropy and free energy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements. • Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis: Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Nitrogen compounds, Polymers, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).